Herbed Pumpkin Seed Mole Recipe 55

PUMPKIN SEED MOLE ~ MOLE VERDE

Steps:

• In a large skillet with high sides or in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, toast the pumpkin seeds, cumin seeds, and oregano, if using, until fragrant, 3 to 4 minutes. Toss frequently to make sure they don't burn. Remove from the heat and transfer to a spice grinder or a blender and process until finely ground.
• In the same skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, tomatillos, garlic, and jalapeños and cook until slightly browned, 4 to 5 minutes, tossing a couple of times but not too much. Place the vegetables in a blender or food processor, then add the broth, cilantro, parsley, epazote (if using), and salt and process until puréed.
• Pour the mixture back into the skillet and add the ground pumpkin seed mixture. Let simmer gently until the flavors are melded, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Serve immediately. (Leftovers-if there are any-can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a couple of days.)

HERBED PUMPKIN SEED MOLE (MOLE VERDE CON HIERBAS)

Steps:

• In a large skillet with high sides or in a large saucepan, toast the pumpkin seeds, cumin seeds, and oregano over high heat. Toss to make sure they don't burn, but toast until fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and transfer to a blender or spice grinder and process until ground. Set aside.
• In the same skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, tomatillos, garlic, and jalapeños and cook until slightly browned, 4 to 5 minutes, tossing a couple of times, but not stirring too much. Carefully place the vegetables in a blender or food processor. Then add the broth, cilantro, parsley, epazote (if using), and salt and process until puréed. Pour back into the skillet and add the ground pumpkin seed mixture. Let simmer until flavors are well combined, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Serve immediately. Any leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for a couple of days.

CHICKEN WITH PUMPKIN-SEED MOLE

Steps:

• Place chicken in a 4-quart pot, and add water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, and cook until chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat, and let stand 15 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate, and cover.
• Place serrano and poblano chiles directly over the flame of a gas-stove burner on high heat. Roast, turning with tongs, until blackened all over. (Alternatively, broil chiles on a baking sheet, turning often, until skin has charred.) Transfer chiles to a bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. Let stand for 15 minutes. Peel chiles, and remove stems, seeds, and ribs.
• Process roasted chiles, onion, garlic, cilantro leaves, 1/2 cup pepitas, cumin, oregano, and 1/2 cup stock in a blender until a coarse paste forms.
• Heat oil in a 4-quart pot over medium heat. Add paste, and cook, stirring constantly, until very thick, about 9 minutes. (Reduce heat if mixture begins to scorch.) Whisk remaining 1 1/2 cups of stock into paste until incorporated. Let mixture cool slightly, then transfer to blender. Add salt and lime juice. Process until sauce is smooth.
• Place chicken in a clean 4-quart pot, and cover with sauce. Cook over medium-low heat until just heated through, about 10 minutes. (Do not simmer.)
• Transfer chicken to a cutting board, and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Distribute evenly among plates, spoon sauce on top, and garnish with cilantro sprigs and remaining 2 tablespoons pepitas. Serve with rice if desired.

PUMPKIN SEED CHICKEN MOLE

Steps:

• In a dry cast-iron skillet toast pumpkin seeds, cumin seeds, pepper and oregano over a low heat, shaking the pan occasionally. Heat until aromas are released, about 5 minutes. Remove before seeds begin to brown and set aside to cool. In a blender grind mixture until a powder forms. In blender or food processor puree tomatillos, serrano chile, garlic, lettuce, cinnamon, cilantro, radish tops, onion and salt until smooth. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large saucepan heat olive oil over a high heat. Carefully, pour in pureed tomatillo mixture, and let sizzle for 30 seconds. Stir in stock. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Turn up the heat to high and bring to a boil. Stir in ground nut mixture and remove from the heat. Puree in a food processor or blender, in batches, if necessary. Pass through a fine strainer, pressing with the back of a ladle to extract all the juices, into a 13 x 10-inch flameproof baking dish. Place the chicken breasts in the sauce and bring to a boil over moderate heat. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of white rice. Sprinkle radish slices over the top.

PUMPKIN SEED CHICKEN MOLE

Steps:

• Place a dry cast-iron skillet over low heat.
• Toast the pumpkin seeds, cumin seeds, pepper and oregano, shaking the pan occasionally, until their aromas are released, about 5 minutes.
• Do not brown.
• Set aside to cool and then grind in a blender or food processor to a powder.
• Reserve.
• Combine the tomatillos, serrano chile, garlic, lettuce, cinnamon, cilantro, radish tops, onion and salt in a food processor.
• Puree until smooth.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over high heat.
• Standing back to avoid splatters, pour in the pureed tomatillo mixture, and sizzle for 30 seconds.
• Stir in the stock, reduce the heat and simmer 10 minutes.
• Turn the heat up to high and bring to a boil.
• Stir in the ground nut mixture and remove from the heat.
• Puree in a food processor or blender, in batches if necessary.
• Pass through a fine strainer, pressing with the back of a ladle to extract all the juices, into a 13 x 10-inch flameproof baking dish.
• Place the chicken breasts in the sauce and bring to a boil over moderate heat.
• Cover with foil, transfer to the oven and bake 20 minutes.
• Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of white rice.
• Sprinkle the radish slices over the top.